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The Breastfeeding Diaries: NaShae from Two Tuomeys +1

June 17, 2015

My name is NaShae, and I blog over at Two Tuomeys +1as a hobby in order to document my family’s special moments and my random thoughts.

When my husband, Ryan, and I found out we were pregnant, we knew that I wanted to breastfeed our child. My mom breastfed me and we were well aware of the health and emotional benefits. I took the classes, listened to advice from friends, but nothing can prepare you for the breastfeeding journey.

I loved breastfeeding, I really did! But breastfeeding is hard. It’s work. But the work is worth it.

My daughter, Ryleigh Katherine, was born on February 22, 2013. I decided to immediately feed her, even before loved ones were brought in to meet her. She did a great job, and she continued to do a great job in our stay at the hospital.

It was a long first month. Ryleigh cried a lot. I think she was even a bit colicky. She didn’t gain much weight (she wasn’t back up to her birth weight at her one week appointment), and I was fearful that she wasn’t getting enough milk. I was barely producing enough to get by and I felt like I was depriving my poor baby just because I was bound and determined that she was going to be exclusively breastfed. My husband was a wonderful support system, and he encouraged me when all I wanted to do was mix up some formula and throw in the towel. At our one-month checkup our pediatrician ensured us that she was growing acceptably and I was given the green light to continue. Mommy win! From that point on, our girl was happy-go-lucky and we never looked back! Goodbye, haze of the first month of motherhood!

Fast forward three weeks and I was headed back to work as a high school teacher. This meant morning feedings before school, pumping twice a day at work (squeezing it into my lunch and conference period in between grading papers and scarfing down a sandwich) and regular feedings in the evenings. Like I said, breastfeeding is work. It’s even more work when you have to go back to your actual work…you know, the one that pays your bills.

Nonetheless, I loved breastfeeding Ryleigh. I never had a lot of pain, she always slept well, and the bonding we gained from this process is invaluable. We continued on exclusively for 6 months, and then with the help of formula and food here and there until 11 months. At 11 months we slowly came to the end of our journey at a time that she and I were both content with. She seemed ready, and though it was emotional, so was I. I am thankful for the experience, and honestly, I’m proud of myself for sticking it out. I know that when we have another child, I will work hard to do it again.

Be sure to catch up with the rest of the Breastfeeding Diaries at the top of my navigation bar.

Meet Julie

Welcome to the Girl in the Red Shoes! I'm Julie...wife to Jon, mama to Hudson, Sadie, & Annabelle, and lover of red shoes. Join me as I navigate this crazy fun journey of motherhood, working from home, being a #girlboss, and making friends along the way. I LOVE meeting new friends so don't be a stranger!